The Chattanooga Times Free Press has learned from sources close to the process that Super Bowl-winning coach Jon Gruden has been extended an offer to succeed Derek Dooley.

Sources confirmed that while details are still being negotiated, the university's offer is very lucrative and there is no firm deadline on a decision.

Gruden's decision likely will hinge on the money the school is willing to pay for his potential staff, the sources say.

According to the Times Free Press, rumors began to surface late Wednesday afternoon that talks had broken down and that Gruden was no longer a candidate for the job.

However, according to Times Free Press sources, that is not the case. As of Thursday evening, Gruden had weighed an offer but countered that more money would be needed for the staff he is assembling.

On Wednesday, Gruden denied rumors that Tennessee's offer included an ownership share in the Cleveland Browns, courtesy of new Browns owner Jimmy Haslam - brother of Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, whose father, Jim Haslam, played on Tennessee's 1951 national championship team and has donated millions of dollars to the university.

Gruden has long been considered a top candidate, even prior to Tennessee's firing of coach Derek Dooley on Nov. 20.